Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  After Felix

AUTHOR:  Lily Morton

SERIES:  Close Proximity

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  274 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 2, 2020

BLURB:

 Sometimes the best love stories come in two parts.

When Felix met handsome journalist Max Travers, it was lust at first sight. It was just his luck that he then had to develop a terrible case of feelings and got his heart broken. However, two and a half years later, he’s over all of that. His job is going well, he has good friends, and he doesn’t lack for male company. Which, of course, is when Max has to come bursting back into his life.

Felix Jackson will always be the one who got away to Max. He’s spent their time apart regretting his actions and hoping for a second chance. When an accident lands him in Felix’s less than tender care, Max is determined to grab this opportunity. The only problem is that Felix is equally determined that he doesn’t.

From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a story of missed opportunities, second chances, and two very stubborn men.

REVIEW:

My heart is obviously a duckling; it imprinted on Max a long while ago and won’t totally let go. 

Oh, how I love Felix and Max! They are a special couple in love with each other long before either realizes it. After Felix is one of Lily Morton’s best – and that’s really saying something – a heartbreakingly beautiful story of a second chance for love between two special men in love with each other long before either realizes it. 

The Before section of the book refers to the time before Max breaks Felix’s heart, and the After deals with their second chance two-and-a-half years later. The first half is told entirely in Felix’s first-person perspective, while in part two we also see life through Max’s eyes in a couple of chapters. Before occurs in real time, not as flashbacks. 

“Before” opens on thirty-seven-year-old Max, a recently retired, renowned war journalist. He has shed that skin for the tamer job of writing a tome on his experiences and awful traumas in war zones. He meets the twenty-something Snarky McSarcasm, aka Felix, in a bookstore. The two instantly hit it off and then get off in a nearby hotel room. Theirs is a steamy relationship based primarily on sex, as neither is interested in any type of commitment. Until one develops FEELINGS, which disrupt the casual dynamic they have perfected.  Three months into their series of hookups, they meet for lunch, their first time getting together other than for sex. Felix fights against himself and his feelings of safety and contentment with Max, but he loses the battle. He realizes it’s no longer just casual for him anymore, yet it most certainly is for Max. “Before” ends with terrible heartbreak; it’s been a long time since I’ve been this sad for a character in a book. 

Shortly into the “After” portion of the book, Felix and Max have a meet-cute – nearly three years after they actually met – when Max literally gets in Felix’s way. It results in a period of forced proximity (thanks to Max’s machinations) eventually leading to a very romantic rekindling of their deep love for each other. *sigh*  

I want him back, and this is my last chance. If I don’t succeed this time, he will find someone else, and I will be alone for the rest of my life because no one can replace Felix. 

Ivo and Henry from Risk Taker have supporting roles in the book. It’s a real treat to see them and so many of Ms. Morton’s past characters when Felix and Max attend Ivo and Henry’s wedding. In attendance are Silas and Oz (Oz), Asa and Jude (Deal Breaker) and Gabe and Dylan (Rule Breaker). It’s like a snark convention. Snark-i-con? Snar-kon? Charlie and Misha (Charlie Sunshine) are also mentioned, while Jeb from Best Man plays the biggest secondary role as Felix’s boss and Max’s step-brother. Even with all the past characters, this is a standalone book. Reading Risk Taker or the Close Proximity books may enhance your reading, but there are no points where a reader will feel left out or missing information for not having read any prior books. 

Notable is that in both halves of the book, Ms. Morton has created alluring imagery, from Felix’s homey narrowboat, Aunt Sally, to Henry’s estate, the old-world charm of the train, and the Grand Canal of Venice in winter. 

After Felix is easily one of my favorites of Lily Morton’s. (I feel like I say that every time she releases a new book.) This certainly ranks very high. I don’t think anything will knock Rule Breaker from the pinnacle, but it’s hard to compare since After Felix is much angstier in tone, and as a result, emotions run deeper. Between all the feels, the sexy times, the beautiful world development, and strong characterization, this is a very enjoyable novel that earns its five heart rating, hands down. 

RATING: 

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